Drivers who use hand-held mobile phones at the wheel are the focus of a new crackdown.

Police are mounting extra patrols in a bid to trap the drivers, who they warn could kill themselves or others.

West Yorkshire Police - which is backing a national campaign - is carrying out extra patrols in a week-long clampdown.

Police now class hand-held mobile phone use while driving as being one of the ‘fatal four’ - the name given to the four most common circumstances leading to death on the roads.

The other three are speeding, not wearing a seat belt and drink/drug driving.

A hard-hitting short film and other real life footage showing a driver swerving on the M62 while using a phone has been released as part of the campaign.

Insp Joanne Field, who leads West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “If you look at the footage of the car on the M62 you can see the level of distraction as the driver swerves from lane to lane at motorway speeds.

“Fortunately the road was quiet otherwise the consequences could have been deadly.

“The risks associated with using a phone while behind the wheel are very clear.

“During my police career I’ve seen the fatal consequences of people who have been distracted by using a phone while driving on far too many occasions. Make no mistake, there is an absolute danger to sending that text message or making that quick call while you’re in charge of a vehicle.”

Motorists who are prosecuted for driving while using a mobile phone face three penalty points and a fine of £100.

But convictions for the more serious offence of driving carelessly or dangerously while using a hand-held phone can result in disqualification from driving, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

Insp Field added: “With so many people now using mobile devices as sat nav systems it’s important to remember that if your car is not safely parked and you are using a hand-held mobile for whatever reason you are breaking the law.

“Your actions have the clear potential to endanger your life and those of other road users. The same rules apply if you’re waiting at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.”

This is a film funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire and created by local police and pupils from Minsthorpe Community College and Hemsworth Arts and Community Academy, features a road traffic collision which has devastating consequences.

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